Ibn Batuta, a famous Moroccan scholar and traveler, has described the status of Muslim merchants in Kerala. Ibn Batuta visited Kerala during the 14th century and documented his observations and experiences in his travelogue, known as "The Travels of Ibn Batuta."

Status of Muslim Merchants in Kerala according to Ibn Batuta:

1. Economic Prosperity:
- Ibn Batuta noted that Muslim merchants in Kerala were prosperous and engaged in various trade activities.
- They were involved in long-distance trade, both within India and with other countries in the Indian Ocean region.
- Kerala's strategic location on the Arabian Sea trade routes made it a hub for trade between India, the Middle East, and East Africa.
- Muslim merchants took advantage of this location and established thriving trade networks.

2. Business Skills and Reputation:
- Muslim merchants were renowned for their business skills and integrity.
- They were respected for their honesty, fair dealings, and ethical business practices.
- Ibn Batuta mentioned that the reputation of Muslim merchants in Kerala was so high that people from other regions would trust them with their goods and money.

3. Social Status:
- Muslim merchants enjoyed a relatively high social status in Kerala.
- They were part of a flourishing Muslim community in the region and had their own neighborhoods and mosques.
- Ibn Batuta observed that Muslim merchants lived in well-built houses and enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle.
- They were actively involved in the social, cultural, and religious life of the community.

4. Interaction with Other Communities:
- Ibn Batuta described the harmonious coexistence of different religious and ethnic communities in Kerala.
- Muslim merchants interacted with people of various backgrounds, including Hindus, Christians, and Jews.
- They participated in cultural exchanges, marriage alliances, and trade partnerships with members of other communities.

Overall, Ibn Batuta's account provides valuable insights into the economic prosperity, business skills, social status, and intercommunity interactions of Muslim merchants in Kerala during the 14th century. His observations highlight the important role played by these merchants in the region's trade and commerce, as well as their integration into the local society.